Fab Lab Associate

Company Description

ABOUT ALU

ALU provides higher education for a higher purpose. Our students declare missions, not majors.
They develop the real-world skills to take on the world’s most pressing challenges. And they take ownership of their learning from day one through our peer and student-led approach – because ALU believes in the power and agency of young people to start shaping the future right now.
Together with a world-class faculty and staff, our students are igniting a ripple of positive impact across Africa and the world.

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights, and safeguarding responsibilities.

HOW WE WORK

As a high-growth start-up, the ALU Team works in starkly different ways to traditional academic bureaucracies. We approach education from first principles, empower individuals to design, test, and implement creative new ideas, and work closely together to craft transformative learning experiences. We are deeply passionate about our students and excited by the challenge of building something entirely new.

The African Leadership University is committed to ensuring the safety and Well-being of all students under our care. As part of this commitment , we have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place , which outlines our Zero-tolerance approach to any violation of safeguarding.

Job Description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) at ALU is the heartbeat of entrepreneurial innovation within the university. The team fosters an entrepreneurial mindset across the institution, enabling students and alumni to transform ideas into impactful ventures. Composed of dynamic and highly motivated individuals, the CfE thrives on collaboration, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to equipping students with the tools, networks, and support they need to succeed.

Our culture is built around curiosity, experimentation, and action, celebrating every milestone achieved by our students and the ventures they launch. Through partnerships with industry leaders, incubators, and investors, the CfE has supported numerous success stories, including startups addressing critical African challenges in sectors such as education, healthcare, and clean energy.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Fab Lab Associate role is pivotal in empowering the ALU community to bring their innovative ideas to life. By providing technical guidance, maintaining a safe and productive workspace, and contributing to engaging learning experiences, the Fab Lab Associate directly supports the fostering of a dynamic and accessible environment where students, entrepreneurs, and faculty can experiment, innovate, and create tangible solutions to real-world challenges.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Equipment Support & User Assistance: Assist users with Fab Lab equipment (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC), providing technical guidance for successful project completion.
• Safety & Lab Management: Ensure a safe, organized, and functional Fab Lab environment by enforcing protocols, maintaining equipment, and managing lab space.
• Training & Instruction: Deliver training and create resources on equipment operation to empower users and build skills.
• Workshop & Learning Support: Contribute to the development and delivery of hands-on learning activities and workshops.
• Inventory & Supplies Management: Manage lab inventory, procure supplies, and ensure material availability for projects.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine equipment maintenance, basic repairs, and manage maintenance records.
• Documentation & Resource Development: Contribute to lab documentation, SOPs, and online resources for user support.

 Ensure the safety and well-being of all young persons and vulnerable adults with whom we deal,  by adhering to ALU’s comprehensive safeguarding policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any violations of safeguarding standards.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Digital Fabrication Hands-on Experience: 2-3 years operating and maintaining digital fabrication equipment (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC), demonstrating proficiency through successful project support.
• Maker Space/FabLab Experience: Experience in a collaborative maker space or Fab Lab, understanding operations and user support needs in such environments.
• Technical Training Delivery: Experience providing training or technical guidance on equipment or software to individuals/groups.
• Inventory/Resource Management (Technical): Experience managing inventory and procurement for technical workshops or labs.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Functional Competencies:

• Digital Fabrication Expertise: Proficient in operating and maintaining 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines.
• CAD/CAM Proficiency: Skilled in relevant CAD/CAM software for digital fabrication workflows.
• Safety Expertise: Strong understanding of fabrication lab safety protocols and risk management.
• Equipment Maintenance Skills: Knowledge of equipment maintenance and basic troubleshooting for digital fabrication equipment.
• Inventory Management Skills: Effective skills in managing inventory and lab supplies.

Soft Competencies:

• Clear Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for technical explanations and user support.
• Training & Facilitation: Strong ability to train and facilitate engaging learning sessions.
• Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving and analytical skills for technical assistance.
• Organization & Detail-Oriented: Highly organized with strong attention to detail for lab management and documentation.
• Proactive & Self-Motivated: Proactive, self-starter with initiative to improve lab operations.
• Passion for Innovation & Learning: Passionate about making, innovation, and empowering others through hands-on learning.